A torrential downpour just before the start of the MotoGP race caused a 20-minute delay and played a key role in today?s race at Sepang.

Marc Marquez was one of the victims of the tricky conditions as he crashed out of a battle for the podium and had to settle for 11th place at the finish. The reigning World Champion got off well at the start and ended the first lap in fourth position. He stuck close to the three front riders, comfortably matching their pace while the track was slowly drying and avoiding pushing too hard, in order to preserve the tyres for the final laps. Unfortunately, while chasing eventual race winner Dovizioso on lap 12, Marc crashed in turn 11. He bravely re-joined the race and recovered from 15th to an ultimate 11th-place finish. Hiroshi Aoyama had a complicated race as he didn’t start well and got stuck in traffic. He found himself in last position after the first lap and recovered a few spots to finish 16th.